Biden’s National Monument Creation Challenged by Trump’s DOJ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicated that former President Donald Trump holds the authority to revoke the national monument created by his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

This development comes after Biden designated the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sattila Highlands National Memorial on his final day in office. The intent behind these designations was to safeguard extensive tracts of land, particularly over 624,000 acres within California, as noted by Reuters.

The DOJ’s fresh legal opinion contradicts a long-standing 1938 resolution which stated a president could not nullify monuments set by a former president under a 1906 statute.

As reported by the Associated Press, during his early presidency, Trump scaled back the Escalante National Monument in Utah but when Biden took office, he reversed those changes.

Comments from Pettit suggest that Biden’s additional monument designations are more about solidifying his legacy concerning environmental protection. She appeared skeptical of Biden’s rationale for such designations, which include enhancing outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.

Pettit expressed, “While these activities are anticipated in parks, they are largely unrelated, if not entirely separate, from the intent to protect scientific or historical sites.”

Currently, it remains unclear when Trump might act to reverse these recent designations or others. When the White House was approached for comments, spokesperson Harrison Fields mentioned the necessity to make federal lands and waters available for various leases related to oil, gas, coal, and minerals.